Finding new ways to use old things

Monthly Archives: March 2012

I got an email this morning from Better Homes & Gardens DIY newsletter and they had great ideas for new shabby chic storage and organizational ideas.

Here is what I’m thinking I will post some of the photos from Better Homes and Gardens, but the tip I want to give you is: Get ideas before you go and once you are at the auction, flee market, or yard sale take a longer look at the items. Try to think of what they CAN become rather than what they are, you’d be shocked at what a little paint could do.

This is a vintage jewelry box. They restained this piece along with replacing the knobs.

This is a beautiful rustic office. It is essentially an all-in-one flee market find. I am dreaming of the day I make this happen in our place.

This is an antique tool box. Depending on the shape you find it in you will most likely need to line the drawers with some type of decorative fabric or wall paper.

How cool is this idea. It is an old kitchen cabinet. Again, condition is everything, you will most likely need to sand this and repaint it, if in fact you do find one of these treasures.

Simply BEAUTIFUL. I have never found a window even somewhat similar to this one, but hey you never know what you will find. This is a great, creative, way to display dishes or for plants or photo frames, the possibilities are endless.

Old birdcage…. or a mail storage unit? For the shelving inside this beautiful creation is created by dowel rods and plexiglass. How fun would this project be?

This is an old Chicken feed bin. I’m not sure what kind of condition you may find this in, I haven’t ever seen one at an auction, however, I may not have recognized it either.

The weather is beginning to warm up, which means, good old fashion sweaty AUCTIONS! They are a blast, I really think you should at least go and watch one this season.

Someday I will have time to post something new everyday, but for now I am going to have to find peace with posting when I can.

Recently my Dad sent me a picture of a project he was working on. He called it ‘Salvage Style’ and I was reminded what makes me, me! My parents taught me a lot but two major characteristics stand out, that both my Mom and Dad contributed to the make-up of me, and those being; creative and resourceful. I can remember several times that my mom would bring home a picture of something and my dad would construct her dream project into a reality. Depending on how large the project was, my dad, often was able to use scrape wood or used items finding them anywhere and everywhere.

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‘Salvage Style’ was found from the Magazine This Old House.

This project materials are:

A pulley ($10-$12)

Sisal Rope (Typically bought in bulk, 50ft=$9)

Wiring (Had on hand) – This is very typical of my dad, he has a detached garage that he works in with everything you can imagine, we have spent many wonderful hours working on projects together.

Light Socket ($4)

My heart swells up when I talk about my Dad because his handyman skills and captivating personality are the perfect mix. He is patient and answers all of my badgering questions, and let me tell you I ask A LOT of questions. I am a child soaking in all of his craftsman knowledge and wisdom.

If you are interested in finding DIY projects here are a couple resources that my dad and I have used in the past;